Insiders told The Hollywood Reporter that the family have been subjected to "disconnection" from friends within the religious order, which allegedly bans followers from communicating with former members. As a result, Remini is said to be fearful that further action could be taken against them.

Former Scientologist Karen de la Carriere said: "When Leah and her family made the decision to leave the church after having been members for decades, the church immediately used disconnection against them in retaliation.

"Leah and her family were suddenly cut off from friendships that had lasted 20 years or more."

Remini also has concerns that information she shared in "auditing" sessions could be leaked to the media. The highly-personal information recorded in sessions is kept on file permanently and former members often have fears regarding the safety of their confessions after they leave, de la Carriere said.

Church of Scientology spokesperson Karin Pouw denied that there is a policy of disconnection with former members, as the church "has never had a policy which breaks up families".

She said: "[It is] a myth perpetuated by individuals who are either misinformed or attempting to sensationalize their own life choices or those made by their family members.

"While the church encourages close family relations, in the end church members decide for themselves whether to communicate or not with a person who is openly antagonistic to them or their religion.

"When [disconnection] occurs, that person is simply exercising their right to communicate, not carrying out any mandate from their church."

Pouw also denied that confidential information relating to former members had been released to the public.